Episode Summary:

In this episode of Arkansas 1st Reports, host Kandi Cox sits down with Jerry Cox, President of Family Council, to discuss the key legislative priorities this session that impact faith, family, and freedom in Arkansas.

Topics covered include:

• $2 Million for Pregnancy Help Organization Grants – How this funding supports life-affirming resources and the likelihood of passage.
• HB1139 – The Released Time Education Act – What this bill means for religious instruction in schools and why it matters for parental rights.
• The LEARNS Act & Homeschooling – The impact of Arkansas' education reform on homeschool families.
• Abortion Amendment Update – Why the previous ballot initiative failed and how pro-life Christians should prepare for future challenges.
• Strengthening Pro-Life Laws – What legal clarifications are needed to protect Arkansas’ strong pro-life stance.
• Religious Freedom Bill – How this legislation reinforces protections for students and teachers in schools.
• H.B. 1221 & H.B. 1222 – Initiative Law Clarification – How these bills help prevent unconstitutional or misleading measures from reaching the ballot.

Join us for this insightful conversation as we break down the policies shaping Arkansas and discuss how conservatives can take action to protect our values.

Guests:

1. Jerry Cox: Jerry is the founder and president of Family Council. He began the Family Council in 1989 after a successful effort to amend the Arkansas Constitution to prevent the use of public funds for abortions. He is the founder of the Education Alliance, the Arkansas Physician’s Resource Council, and the Arkansas Justice Institute. In 2004 he spearheaded a successful effort to amend the Arkansas Constitution to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. In 2008 Jerry led a successful effort to pass the Arkansas Adoption and Foster Care Act. Between fundraising, public speaking, leading the staff, lobbying, and writing, Jerry maintains an active role in ensuring that Family Council continues to serve the people of Arkansas as it has for more than 30 years. He and his wife reside in Little Rock. They have four sons.